Local heroes honored at ValleyCats game

TROY, N.Y. – Nine people in the community were honored as heroes at the Tri-City ValleyCats game Thursday night.

Shay Kerwin spends his time helping others.

“I raise money for the American Heart Association, and I also do the Damien Center,” he said.

Kerwin raised almost $7,000 for the non-profit this year. The 10-year-old said he raises money for the organization because he lost his father to a heart attack three years ago.

“I think he would be proud of me and hug me,” he said.

Assembly staff member Bakary Janneh was also honored at the game. He was credited for saving a life.

Assemblywoman Annette Robinson started choking during legislative session in June. Jennaeh rushed to help her.

“I remember looking around on the floor,” he said. “It was completely quiet and everybody was looking at me, and that’s when I was like, ‘I better make sure I clear this out.’”

But Janneh said he doesn’t want the spotlight. Instead, he held his award in honor of people he said are heroes every day.

“I think all the praise should go to the people who train others,” he said. “The first responders who go out and do this – firefighters, police force. If I could use this experience to help bring light onto what they do every day, it’ll be great.”

The other heroes honored included police officers, EMTs, teachers and everyday people looking to make a difference.